Singapore's Road to Independence
Singapore’s road to independence May 28, 1958 After about two years of talks, the State of Singapore Act is passed in Britain to provide for self-government and Singapore citizenship. May 30, 1959 The People’s Action Party (PAP), in the opposition for the past four years, wins 43 out of 51 seats at the Legislative Assembly general election to be the rst fully elected, post-colonial government. June 1, 1959 Governor William Goode asks Mr Lee Kuan Yew to form the government. Mr Lee repeats his party’s condition that the British release eight detained associates: Lim Chin Siong, Fong Swee Suan, Devan Nair, S. Woodhull, J. Puthucheary, Chan Chiaw Thor, Chan Chong Kin and Chen Say Jame. The British agree to free the eight three days later. June 3, 1959 At one minute past midnight, the Governor proclaims Singapore a self-governing state. At 8.30am, he takes ofce as Yang di-Pertuan Negara, or Head of State. The PAP holds a mass rally at the Padang in the evening. June 4, 1959 The PAP issues a statement signed by six of the detainees, including hardliner Lim Chin Siong, saying they support the PAP leadership’s non-communist road. June 5, 1959 Swearing-in of the Cabinet, including Mr Lee as Singapore’s rst Prime Minister. Photo of a painting by Lai Kui Fang Dec 3, 1959 Mr Yusof Ishak is sworn in as the rst Malayan-born Yang di-Pertuan Negara, replacing Sir William Goode. When Singapore achieves independence on Aug 9, 1965 as a sovereign state, Mr Yusof becomes the President.
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